8
DRYInG GUIDe
DryiNg frUits
Preparation
: Wash fruits well and remove any bruised or over ripe portions. Peel if desired.
Remove pits from fruits such as prunes, cherries, apricots, etc.
Fruits that have been artificially waxed to prevent moisture loss should always be peeled.
Peeling is optional with other fruits.
Most fruits can be placed directly on the drying trays as they are prepared. However,
apples, apricots, pears and peaches turn brown when the cut surfaces are exposed to
the air due to oxidation and the continuous reaction of enzymes. these fruits may be
pretreated to slow this browning and prevent loss of vitamins A and C.
food
preparation
test
time
Apples
Pare, core & cut into ¼” slices or rings. May be sprinkled with
cinnamon if desired.
Pliable
7-15
hours
Apricots
Wash, cut in half, slice and remove pit. Push in backs dry skin
side down.
Pliable
20-28
hours
Bananas
Peel & cut into 1/8” slices.
Leathery or
Crisp
6-10
hours
Berries
Leave whole. For wax skin berries pretreat by crazing.
Leathery
10-15
hours
Cherries
Remove stems & pits. Cut in half & place skin side down & sticky
on tray. Will be like raisins, watch to prevent over drying.
Leathery &
sticky
13-21
hours
Cranberries
same process as berries.
Pliable
10-12
hours
Figs
Wash, cut out blemishes, quarter & spread one layer deep, skin
side down.
Pliable
22-30
hours
Grapes
Wash, remove stems & cut in half or leave whole, skin side
down. Blanching will reduce drying time by 50%.
Pliable
22-30
hours
nectarines
Wash, pit and peel. Cut into 3/8” slices, dry skin side down.
Pliable
8-16
hours
Peaches
Wash, pit and peel-if desired 1/4” slices.
Pliable
8-16
hours
Pears
Wash, remove core, peel 1/4” slices, or 1/4 the pear.
Pliable
8-16
hours
Persimmons
Wash, remove cap & peel 1/4” slices.
Leathery
11-19
hours
Pineapple
Peel, remove fibrous eyes and core. Cut into 1/4” slices or
wedges.
Pliable
10-18
hours
Prune Plums
Wash, cut in half, remove pit and pop the back to expose more
surface to the air.
Leathery
8-16
hours
Rhubarb
Wash, cut into 1” lengths.
Leathery
6-10
hours
strawberries
Wash, cut off caps, slice 1/4” thick.
Leathery &
sticky
7-15
hours
Watermelon
Cut off rind, cut into wedges and remove seeds.
Pliable &
sticky
8-10
hours
